{"id":2310,"date":"2022-05-05T17:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-05T17:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=2310"},"modified":"2023-09-27T07:08:53","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T07:08:53","slug":"how-to-use-a-masterbuilt-propane-smoker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/how-to-use-a-masterbuilt-propane-smoker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Masterbuilt Propane Smoker? Your Complete Manual"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Smoking on a Masterbuilt propane smoker is a breeze. Add some wood chips or chunks to the chip tray, turn on the LP, set the grill to your desired temp, and get to cooking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had to learn how to use a Masterbuilt propane smoker a few years ago. As propane models<\/a> aren’t my go-to options, there was a learning curve. The upshot was that it gave me the knowledge to show you how to master the process and prepare your own amazing BBQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll give you an in-depth walkthrough of the entire smoking process in this article. You\u2019ll master that Masterbuilt smoker if you read everything I\u2019ve got for you<\/strong>. Let\u2019s take a deep dive into Masterbuilt propane smokers!<\/p>\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n

Understanding Masterbuilt Propane Smokers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three main Masterbuilt propane smoker models to choose from – Two Door 30-inch, Adventure Series 30-inch ThermoTemp, and 40-inch ThermoTemp XL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are all vertical smokers, and they all function similarly. The main difference between them is cooker size, which doesn\u2019t impact operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to always read your user manual before getting started.<\/strong> This will contain all the information that you need to know about your specific model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use a Masterbuilt Propane Smoker? A Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are detailed guidelines on how to get your vertical smoker started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Add Wood Chips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are using wood chips, then you should add them to the tray before firing up the Masterbuilt propane smoker. The same goes for wood chunks; add these in before the machine is turned on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for a small door that is right above the burner. You will find a tray there that is known as a flame disk bowl. The \u201cflame disk bowl\u201d is a cool bit of marketing language for what is essentially a wood chip tray.<\/strong> This is where the wood chips go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other pit bosses have reported their chips have a tendency to catch fire on this tray, burning wood chips. This hasn\u2019t happened to me. But if you find this happening with your Masterbuilt propane smoker, put the chips in a cast iron pan. You can also use a smoker tube<\/a> to protect the chips or wrap the chips in aluminum foil. You may be running your grill too hot if the chips are incinerating.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I like about using a cast iron pan is that it makes it easier to keep filling up the wood chips or chunks throughout the cooking process This will need to be done about every hour or so. Having a pan with a handle makes the top-up a breeze. Just wear a pot holder before touching the handle – cast iron gets hot!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add a cup of wood chips when you refill the flame disk bowl. You can also use wood chunks if you want, as these tend to burn longer. Chunks are superior for longer cooks because they smoke for longer. When I\u2019m smoking, I\u2019m smoking with chunks. I don\u2019t pre-soak my chips or chunks in water. <\/strong>I don\u2019t think it does anything positive, and I think it slows smoke development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The type of wood you go with is up to you.<\/strong> Hickory and oak are bedrock smoking woods. Fruit like cherry and apple, are other popular options. Much ink has been spilled in the \u2018que community over wood species. To me, the differences are not dramatic. Play around and find your favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The owner\u2019s manual says wood pellets should not be used.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Fill the Water Tray<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The water pan is located right above the wood chip tray.<\/strong> You can choose to add water, beer, stock, or any other flavored liquid here. Some people will also add herbs to the mix. I use water in my tray when smoking. I don\u2019t think the flavor of beer or other liquids impacts the flavor of the food. To me, you\u2019re wasting beer, which is practically a criminal offense around these parts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main function of the water tray is to help keep the temperature inside the cooking chamber even and low. The humidity created by the liquid in the water pan is also a great way to add moisture to the cooking environment. This moisture makes its way into the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it isn’t a necessity to fill up the water tray.<\/strong> You can remove it or keep it in the Masterbuilt propane smoker without adding any liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Connect the Propane Tank<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check that the valve on the propane tank is closed. Then, connect the regulator hose on the Masterbuilt propane smoker to the tank. Hand tighten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The control knob should be in the OFF position. <\/strong>Open the doors and the valves of the Masterbuilt propane smoker. Then, open the valve on the propane tank.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Propane<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I still open the valve all the way, even though the smoker has a built-in mechanism to monitor and adjust the flow of the gas. I\u2019m old-school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Power up the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use one hand to push the temperature control knob down, and then turn it counter-clockwise to your desired temp. Don’t let go of this control knob just yet – you need to hold it down for the smoker to ignite<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep pushing down the temperature control knob, then press the ignitor button. Do this until you hear the burner has ignited, and then let go of the ignitor button<\/strong>. Keep holding the temperature control knob for 5 seconds. This activates the flame sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the 5 seconds are up, use the control knob to set the smoker to your desired temperature. Visually confirm that your smoker has started. <\/strong>If it hasn\u2019t, start this step from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close the doors and allow the Masterbuilt propane smoker to preheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need to turn the fire off at any time, turn the control knob clockwise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Arrange the Food in the Preheated Smoker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Place the food in the very middle of the rack. Leave space between each food item<\/strong>. This allows for better airflow, cooking the food more evenly. Centering the food has the bonus side effect of using your water pan as a drip tray.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hottest part of this smoker is usually at the very top. Put large cuts of meat or ones that need to be cooked for a longer period of time, on the top rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to smoke large quantities of food, it is best to do so in batches. Follow the Cub Scout motto: be prepared.<\/strong> You\u2019ll need to start smoking earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place aluminum foil pans below each of the racks containing meat if the meat isn\u2019t over the water pan. This way, the pans catch any grease and meat drippings. This allows for easy clean-up later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masterbuilt recommends against covering the grates with foil. It stifles air and heat movement. Uneven air and heat movement mean uneven cooking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the cuts of meat you are dealing with, you may need to adjust the cooking grate supports. This will allow you to increase or decrease cooking space as needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring Cooking Temperature and Internal Temp<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are cooking on cold or windy days, then there is a higher risk of the flame blowing out. Open the door and check if you have suspected that this has taken place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it has, keep the door open while you reignite the cooker. Close the door and then continue to smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are smoking meat, you need to pay attention to the internal temperature of the smoked food. Accurately tracking cooker and meat temperatures is one of the things that separates okay BBQ from life-altering BBQ. <\/strong>Tracking the cooker temperature will allow you to cook the meat at proper temperatures. Tracking internal temperature tells you when the meat is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the problem: the temperature controls on the various Masterbuilt propane smoker models aren’t super accurate. Inaccurate thermometers will skew your cooking time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would recommend a thermometer for each rack that the meat is on. You\u2019ll have a firm grasp of the temperature at every level of your cooker.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Grilling<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This cuts down on the risk of overcooking your meat or taking it out before it is ready. It will also mean your cooking time estimates will be more accurate. Your friends who are coming over for dinner at 6 will be expecting dinner shortly after. <\/strong>A good thermometer or four is a good investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also suggest buying a better door or hood thermometer as well. Yes, every Masterbuilt propane smoker has one attached to the door, but mine reads 50\u00b0F higher than my Thermoworks thermometer. I trust the expensive Thermoworks<\/a>, not the door thermometer. Calling it a \u201cthermometer\u201d is generous – it may as well be a random number generator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 6: Shutting Down the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once the meat is fully cooked, take the smoked food out of the Masterbuilt propane smoker. Make sure to use silicone or other protective gloves. Don’t burn yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shutting this propane smoker off is easy. Simply turn the control knob to the OFF position. Next, close the valve on the propane tank. Disconnect the tank and store it as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 7: Cleaning the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cooking process can take quite a bit out of you, but you should clean your propane smoker every time that you use it. Part of cooking is cleaning up afterward. Maintain your Masterbuilt propane smoker properly, and it will last longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning your propane smoker after every cook means that it is ready to go the next time around. You don’t have to spend time cleaning out the smoker – you can simply get to smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I use a grill brush to clean my cooking grates. I do it when the grates are still hot after I\u2019m done eating. Hot grates are easier to scrape clean. Wear heat-resistant gloves to be safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always wait for your Masterbuilt propane smoker to cool down before cleaning the interior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the propane smoker has cooled down, remove the wood chips tray and discard any ash or wood chips there. They need to be completely cooled or you risk starting a fire. When in doubt, douse them with water. <\/strong>Wipe the chip tray so that grime and gunk don\u2019t build up here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up is the drip tray. Remember, there is probably fat and grease here, so use warm water to get rid of any residue. You can use soap if you need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I use aluminum foil before I cook to cover the drip tray. Then I simply toss the aluminum foil when I\u2019m done cooking. Nice and easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wipe down the internal components of your propane smoker. Allow them to dry completely before returning them to their proper places. I do this every couple of months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now it\u2019s time to close the doors and the vents and then place the grill cover over the smoker. You\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Your Masterbuilt Propane Smoker for the First Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Haven’t used a propane smoker before? Then, here are some pointers on how to use a Masterbuilt propane smoker for the first time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test for Gas Leaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Leaking gas can be deadly.<\/strong> Propane gas is highly volatile, and while the propane tank may be secure, you need to check that the same is true for the connection as well. If you smell, hear, or see gas, turn off the LP and call the fire department.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masterbuilt recommends performing the \u201csoapy water test\u201d every time you use your smoker. This is outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions. It is meant to prevent gas leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this test, you will need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n